Messina, Sicily

A Day Along the Coast and Into the Heart of Etna

Today was a full and exceptional day exploring the stunning Sicilian coastline near Messina. The landscape alone was worth the trip – winding roads that hugged the cliffs, olive groves cascading down hillsides, and the shimmering blue of the Ionian Sea never far from view.

Our first stop was the charming Mungo winery tucked away in the countryside, where we were welcomed with a generous wine tasting and a beautifully arranged grazing board. The wines – we sampled five in total – were all distinctly Sicilian in character: dry whites, full-bodied reds, and a surprisingly delicate rosé. Each glass told a story of the land, and the tasting was made even better by the spread in front of us. Everything on the board was local – silky prosciutto, spicy salami, briny olives, sweet sundried tomatoes, and three kinds of cheese that perfectly complemented the wines. There were also a couple of rich, earthy tapenades that I could have eaten by the spoonful. It was rustic, simple, and absolutely delicious.

After having our fill, we were offered a deeper dive into the winemaking process. The passion of the winemakers was evident in every detail – from the traditional fermentation methods to the sustainability efforts in their vineyard. It was informative without being too technical.

The highlight of the day, though, had to be Mt. Etna – or “Mamma Etna,” as the locals affectionately call her. Towering in the distance, she seemed calm at first, but just as we arrived at one of the viewpoints, she gave us a little show. A small eruption sent a puff of steam and ash curling into the sky – nothing dangerous, but dramatic enough to take our breath away. Seeing such raw power up close was humbling.

Our guide, Sara, was an absolute character – funny, animated, and full of fascinating insights. She had us laughing from the start, explaining the many meanings behind Italian hand gestures (and how they’re often misunderstood abroad). She even serenaded us at one point and told cheeky jokes that kept the whole group entertained. Safe to say, she earned her tip!

One of the more eerie stops on the tour was the site of a lava flow from the 1992 eruption. The hardened black rock twisted and curled in strange, frozen patterns – a stark reminder of nature’s force. Sara encouraged us to take a small piece of lava rock as a souvenir, saying it’s considered good luck. I chose a small one, hoping I can get it through customs and home to show the kids.

We wrapped up the day at a local honey shop nestled in the hills, where the air smelled faintly sweet and herbal. The shop produces its own range of honeys, and we got to taste several varieties – some infused with herbs, others with citrus or chestnut. I ended up buying a small jar of one that’s supposed to aid digestion. Sara shared a rather wild story about how it even helped her get rid of a tapeworm she picked up while travelling. I don’t know if it’s scientifically proven, but I was sold. Shut up and take my money!

All in all, today was a perfect blend of nature, food, culture, and character – what we saw of Sicily was outstanding!Læs mere